Q: What is AVAVA recovery like?

For superficial treatments, 1 to 3 days of downtime is typical. Microscopic epidermal debris, (coffee-ground-like dots or a bronzed, peppered pattern of tiny specks) may appear around day 2. In the FDA-cleared acne-scar study, mild redness and swelling generally resolved within 1 to 2 days. More intensive treatments can require a longer recovery, so ask your provider in advance how much time you’ll need off work.

Question 1

What is the AVAVA laser?

Accepted Answer

AVAVA is a new-generation laser designed to deliver targeted energy deep into the skin while minimizing surface disruption and downtime.

Its proprietary “Focal Point” technology delivers energy at targeted depths, sparing the surrounding tissue. Unlike traditional resurfacing lasers, AVAVA concentrates energy right where it’s needed.

AVAVA is FDA cleared for acne-scar treatment across Fitzpatrick skin types I–VI, making it a treatment option for patients across the full spectrum of skin tones (including brown and deep tones, which can be especially vulnerable to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation).

That's a meaningful distinction for patients with skin of color, but it doesn't mean every AVAVA treatment or setting is automatically appropriate for every skin tone. Your provider still needs to determine the right energy, depth, treatment area, and number of sessions for your skin.

Experienced providers also use AVAVA “off-label” to address concerns like uneven texture, sun damage, and other signs of aging on the face or body. Over time, a series of treatments can create visible improvements in skin quality.

Question 2

How does AVAVA work?

Accepted Answer

AVAVA is designed to precisely deliver laser energy at controlled depths customized to your skin type, concerns, and desired results, from a subtle glow-up to a dramatic rejuvenation.

The heat from the energy triggers a healing response and stimulates new collagen, while minimizing unnecessary damage to surrounding tissue.

Question 3

What can AVAVA treat?

Accepted Answer

Beyond its FDA clearance for acne scars, an AVAVA laser treatment can address:

fine lines and signs of aging
uneven skin texture
sun damage and dullness
large pores
skin laxity and firmness

AVAVA’s FDA clearance was supported by a clinical study involving patients across all six Fitzpatrick skin types, with 75% of participants identifying as African American, Asian, or Hispanic/Latino. Independent evaluators found visible improvement in more than 90% of participants, with a median 50% reduction in acne-scar severity.

Question 4

AVAVA laser pros and cons

Accepted Answer

Pros

AVAVA is FDA-cleared to treat acne scars across Fitzpatrick skin types I–VI, a broader range than many of its competitors
Off-label, it can treat a variety of skin concerns on the face and body, with customizable settings
It’s designed to deliver energy at targeted depths
This level of control is designed to reduce downtime while still delivering a meaningful improvement
Integrated cooling improves treatment comfort

Cons

AVAVA is still a relatively new technology, so long-term clinical data are more limited than for established lasers
The quality of your results will depend on the treatment settings and provider’s technique
You may need more than one treatment for your desired result
As with other laser and energy treatments, it’s not a substitute for surgery if significant skin laxity is your primary concern
Potential side effects include temporary redness, swelling, pinpoint bleeding, and other skin changes

RealSelf Tip: A “lunchtime” AVAVA treatment and a higher-energy acne-scar treatment aren't necessarily the same experience. Ask your provider exactly what settings and treatment plan they're recommending for you and how much downtime you should expect, rather than judging it from someone else's AVAVA experience.

Question 5

How much does AVAVA cost?

Accepted Answer

Because AVAVA is relatively new, RealSelf reviewers have not yet weighed in on their treatment cost.

Your AVAVA cost will depend on the size of the area being treated, the intensity of treatment, your provider's experience and location, and whether you're having a single treatment or a series.

Your consultation should include the cost per treatment and the expected number of sessions so you can understand the total investment.

Question 6

What happens during an AVAVA treatment?

Accepted Answer

Here’s what to expect at your appointment.

Your provider should start with a consultation to determine the appropriate settings based on your skin type, concern, and treatment goals.
Next, they will cleanse the treatment area. They may apply topical anesthesia and leave time for it to numb your skin.
Then they’ll pass the AVAVA handpiece over the treatment area, delivering targeted laser energy into the skin.
ComfortCool technology cools the skin during treatment to help minimize discomfort. You can still expect some sensations, but this isn't a “grit your teeth and get through it” laser.

Treatment time ranges from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated and settings used.

Question 7

Does AVAVA hurt?

Accepted Answer

Some discomfort is expected, but the experience varies based on the treatment settings, body area, and individual pain tolerance. ComfortCool helps, and your provider may recommend topical anesthetic or other comfort measures, particularly for higher-energy treatments.

For acne-scar treatment, clinical trial participants reported an average pain score of about 4.4 out of 10 in the FDA submission. AVAVA's company-reported data cites an average pain score of 3 out of 10 with ComfortCool.

Question 8

How should I prepare for an AVAVA treatment?

Accepted Answer

Your provider will give you personalized instructions, but AVAVA's patient guidance recommends:

Avoiding significant sun exposure for at least two weeks before treatment
Discussing prescription topicals such as tretinoin, hydroquinone, or steroids with your prescribing clinician before stopping them
Pausing active ingredients such as retinol, AHAs, and BHAs about a week before treatment
Telling your provider about photosensitizing medications
Waiting at least two weeks after treatments such as facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, microneedling, neurotoxins, or fillers
Following any preconditioning protocol recommended for darker skin types

Question 9

What is AVAVA recovery like?

Accepted Answer

For superficial treatments, 1 to 3 days of downtime is typical.

Microscopic epidermal debris, (coffee-ground-like dots or a bronzed, peppered pattern of tiny specks) may appear around day 2.
In the FDA-cleared acne-scar study, mild redness and swelling generally resolved within 1 to 2 days.

More intensive treatments can require a longer recovery, so ask your provider in advance how much time you’ll need off work.

Question 10

When will I see AVAVA results?

Accepted Answer

Some improvement may be noticeable relatively quickly, but results continue to develop as your skin heals and remodels collagen.

AVAVA's own treatment guidance says optimal results generally become more apparent around 4 to 6 weeks after treatment.

In the FDA-cleared clinical study on acne scar treatment, some patients showed improvement after just 1 treatment, with better results after each treatment in a series of up to 6.

Question 11

How many AVAVA treatments will I need?

Accepted Answer

AVAVA’s manufacturer generally recommends 2 to 3 treatments spaced about 1 month apart, although higher-energy treatments may be spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart. Body treatments may also require longer intervals.

Your provider may recommend a different treatment plan based on the condition being treated, your skin type, and how aggressively they want to treat.

Question 12

How long do AVAVA results last?

Accepted Answer

Because collagen remodeling continues post-treatment, results can evolve for months. AVAVA's patient guidance suggests maintenance treatment sessions about every 6 months.

Question 13

Is AVAVA safe for dark skin tones?

Accepted Answer

One of AVAVA's biggest advantages is its ability to treat Fitzpatrick skin types I–VI. The device’s targeted energy delivery is designed to reduce unnecessary thermal injury to surrounding tissue.

That's notable because some resurfacing lasers carry a greater risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in brown and deep skin tones.

That said, “safe for all skin tones” never means “risk-free for every person.” Treatment settings matter, and patients with dark skin should still seek out an experienced provider who understands how to treat their particular skin type.

Question 14

What are the potential side effects of AVAVA?

Accepted Answer

In the FDA-cleared acne-scar study, treatment was well tolerated, with mild redness and swelling reported after treatment.

Temporary side effects can also include:

Tenderness or warmth
Peeling or microscopic crusting
Pinpoint bleeding
Acne-like eruptions
Temporary changes in pigmentation

As with any laser treatment, there can be more serious complications, including burns, infection, scarring, or pigment changes. Choosing an experienced medical provider and following pre- and post-treatment instructions can help reduce your risk.

You may not be a candidate if you have certain active skin conditions, infections, healing problems, or other factors that increase the risk of laser treatment.

Your provider should also know about any medications that affect photosensitivity or healing.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, a history of abnormal scarring, active infections, recent aggressive skin treatments, and certain medications may affect whether and when you can be treated.

AVAVA LASER

Mari Malcolm

Mari Malcolm

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Mari Malcolm

Mari Malcolm

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